Lighting fixture



Oct. 12, 1965 N. H. SCHWENKLER 3,210,875

LIGHTING FIXTURE Filed Feb. 5, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A li/"z 1 N VEN TOR. A/oeaser H dcHws/ms/e Arm/ave v.5.

Oct. 12, 1965 N. H. SCHWENKLER 3,210,875

LIGHTING FIXTURE Filed Feb. 5, 1965 3 sheets sheet 2 24 77 J9 .7 d INVENTOR.

2F) ,2 NOEBEET H JCHWENKLEE Ozmwdl, zeafwl Wa zdm Arr-aways Oct. 12, 1965 N. H. SCHWENKLER 3,210,375

I LIGHTING FIXTURE Filed. Feb. 5, 1965 .5 Sheets-Sheet 3 g INVENTOR. 5 3 IVORBERT H SCHWENKLER 1? BY (mm/dz, fi MMMMZa e m Arromvevs.

United States Patent 3,210,875 LIGHTING FIXTURE Norbert H. Schwenkler, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Patent License Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Feb. 5, 1963, Ser. No. 256,431 4 Claims. (Cl. 40-129) This invention is directed to a multiple purpose lighting fixture and the unique use thereof in a passenger vehicle. More specifically, the invention deals with a new and improved lighting fixture which provides for concentrated illumination for reading or the like While simultaneously providing general illumination for indirect lighting and decorative or advertising display purposes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved form of lighting fixture of uncomplicated design capable of establishing at least one area of concentrated illumination and at least one area of general illumination, both areas being established as a result of the unique arrangement and design or basic fixture parts.

Another object is to provide a new and improved lighting fixture particularly adapted for efficient utilization in a vehicle, such as a passenger carrying subway car, bus or the like, the fixture being adapted for cornice type mounting and capable of simultaneously providing controllably directed multiple areas of concentrated light as well as an area of general illumination for display purposes.

Still a further object is to provide a new and improved vehicle interior lighting arrangement utilizing a unique form of lighting fixture which is of uncomplicated design and includes a light transmission panel provided with uniquely arranged sections capable of establishing multiple concentrated light areas in the vehicle and an area of general illumination for display purposes, the fixture being of longitudinally elongated design with the sections arranged to utilize light emitted from a common source.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective of a portion of the interior of a passenger vehicle including as a part thereof the new and improved lighting fixture of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevation of adjacent end portions of a pair of the lighting fixtures as viewed from the interior of the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse section of one of the lighting fixtures as viewed generally along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section of an end portion of the fixture taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 and illustrating a suitable end sealing arrangement; and

FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of the illuminating properties of the fixture of the invention in connection with its use in a vehicle of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.

Interior lighting of subway cars or buses as well as other types of short haul passenger vehicles has presented several problems. Passenger reading is prevalent but the cost of providing individual reading lights in addition to indirect general illumination, as well as advertising display card illumination, is prohibitive. Accordingly, in terior lighting of such vehicles has been of a general nature involving direct or indirect overhead lighting to be used for all three purposes. The composition of advertising display cards must be controlled within the limitations prescribed by the existence of general illumination only. Spot-type reading lights are not only objectionable from the standpoint of cost, but create areas of substantial contrast of light intensity thereby often contributing to passenger discomfort. The installation and maintenance of separate lighting systems for general and specific lighting purposes is considered unwarranted especially in connection with short haul, low cost transportation.

3,219,875 Patented Get. 12, 1965 "ice The invention is based on the provision of a new and improved lighting fixture design particularly adapted for low cost transportation use such as in subway cars, buses, etc. The fixture is designed for surface mounting thus permitting low cost installation and maintenance, and is capable of simultaneously providing an area of concentrated light for passenger reading purposes, an area of indirect concentrated light for general illumination purposes, and an area of diffused light for display and advertising illumination purposes. All of the areas defined utilize light from the same source thus providing, in effect, a single source lighting system for multiple general and specific illumination purposes. The fixture is of uncomplicated design including basically a light source housing, a light source, and a light transmission panel, the panel being of subdivided nature involving selected sections providing for general and specific illumination.

FIG. 1 illustrates approximately one-half of the interior of a passenger vehicle 10, such as a subway car. The vehicle includes along opposite side wall areas thereof passenger accommodating means such as seats 11. A plurality of passenger loading door areas 12 are also provided in the side walls of the vehicle and a cornice type lighting arrangement extends longitudinally continuously in overhead relation along the juncture of each side wall and ceiling portion of the vehicle. The lighting arrangement includes a plurality of longitudinally elongated lighting fixtures 13 which are arranged in end abutting relation and which overextend the seats 11 and door areas 12.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, each lighting fixture 13 basically comprises a light source housing 14, a light source 15 within the housing 14, and a light transmitting panel 16 enclosing the housing 14 and light source 15 therein. The housing 14 is longitudinally elongated and is of generally concave configuration to conform to the inner surface curvature of the area of juncture between the side wall and ceiling portion of the vehicle. The housing 14 is formed from relatively thin metallic material and is shaped to provide a plurality of flat sur' faces 17, 18 and 19. A specular finish 20 is preferably formed on the inner surface of the flat portion 17. A white light diffusing finish 21 is preferably formed on the inner surfaces of the flat portions 18 and 19.

The housing along its lower margin is fixed to a longitudinal mounting rail 22 by a plurality of fasteners 23 which also function to fix the mounting rail to the vehicle. The bottom marginal portion of the mounting rail is formed with a continuous sealing flange 24 and inwardly of the flange the rail includes a radially projecting locking flange 25 and an oppositely directed inclined sealing flange 26. The upper margin of the housing 14 is fixed to a longitudinally continuous hinge rail 27 by fasteners 28 extending through the rail 27 and fixing the housing and rail to the vehicle. The rail 27 includes a continuous depending hook-like hinge portion 29 receiving therein a cooperating hook-like hinge portion 30 forming a part of a longitudinally continuous hinge member 31 which is a part of the light transmitting panel assembly. The hinge member 31 is formed with a longitudinally continuous opposite marginal hook portion 32 which is in engagement with a longitudinal bead 33 forming a part of the panel 16. A wave spring 34 is mounted in the rail 27 in engagement with the hinge portion 30 to hold the same against displacement from the rail 27. The dimensions of the various cooperating parts are such that the hinge member 31 may freely pivot relative to the rail 27 during opening and closing of the fixture.

The light transmitting panel is of generally U-shape having boxed ends and is formed with a vertical lens section 35, an intermediate display section 36 and an opposite marginal horizontal lens section 37. The sections 35-37 are integrally formed from suitable plastic material, the entire panel being readily fabricated by extrusion. The panel 13 at opposite ends thereof is provided with upright end wall sections 38 which are also formed from plastic material and which are separately fabricated and subsequently fixed to the end edges of the extruded sections 3537. The final panel is in the form of a trough with the sections 35-37 projecting substantially outwardly from the housing 14.

The lens section 35 has integrally formed therewith the bead 33 in engagement with the hinge member 31. The free margin of the lens section 37 is similarly provided with an integral bead 39 which is in engagement with a longitudinal hook-like portion 40 of a locking rail member 41 in engagement with the sealing flange 24 of the mounting rail 22. The locking member 41 includes a locking flange portion 42 having mounted therein a plurality of captive locking fasteners 43 which are engageable with the locking flange 25 of the mounting rail 22. Releasing of the locking fasteners 43 permits the pivoting of the light transmitting panel assembly 13 downwardly and outwardly for access into the interior of the fitting. The hinge member 31 and locking member 41 are suitably secured to the panel assembly to function as a part thereof.

Opposite ends of the housing 14 are partially closed 01f by thin metallic end plates 44 having flanged marginal portions 45 overlapping the end margins of the flat portions 17-19 and suitably fixed thereto. The end plates 44 mount thereon socket members 46 of known type which suitably mount therebetween tube type fluorescent lamps 47 and 48 extending longitudinally of the fixture. Suitable light and dust sealing means may be provided throughout the fixture where desired and FIG. 4 illustrates one form of such means adapted to be carried by the end plates 44 in engagement with the end sections 38 of the panel 16. The end plates 44 substantially overlap the adjacent end sections 38 and the end plates mount along the inner surfaces thereof longitudinally continuous gaskets 49 fixed to angle members 50 which are suitably attached to the end plates 44. In the closed position of the fixture, the free edges of the end sections 38 engage the gaskets 49 and seal off the ends to an extent that stray light is eliminated and dust will not accumulate within the fixture.

Each lens section 35 and 37 is formed from clear transparent plastic and is provided along the inner surface thereof with a plurality of longitudinally continuous prisms 51 which provide for the concentration of light transmitted through the lens sections to establish areas of high intensity illumination. The overhead vertical lens section 35 provides overhead illumination as illustrated by the generally horizontal arrows in FIG. 1, this illumination being of an indirect nature to sutficiently light up the interior of the vehicle for safe passenger use. The lower horizontal lens section 37 provides a longitudinally continuous downwardly directed area of high intensity illumination as indicated by the generally vertically directed arrows in FIG. 1 to light the passenger accommodating areas along the opposite side wall portions of the vehicle for reading purposes. In this respect the design of the fixture permitting close end-to-end mounting of a plurality of fixtures provides for longitudinally con tinuous high intensity illumination downwardly along the side wall portions of the vehicle over the door areas 12 as well as the seats 11.

Where a plurality of lamps 47 and 48 are used as illustrated, the lamps are preferably located with at least one thereof in direct alignment with a lens section 35 or 37. In this respect the lamp 47 is in direct alignment with the lens section 35 to aid in establishing the transmission of high intensity light. Similarly, the lamp 48 is in direct alignment with the lens section 37 for high intensity lighting purposes. The shape of the housing 14 not only readily accommodates flush surface mounting of the fixture in the vehicle without relying on recessing thereof, but permits the forming of the specially arranged flat portions 17-19 for efficient reflection of light emitted from the lamps 47 and 48. The flat portions 17 as previously described is formed with a specular inner surface finish 20 located directly behind the lamps 47 and 48 and arranged for light concentrating use with the lens sections 35 and 37. In this respect the specular finish 20 provides for direct reflection of light from the sources toward the lens sections 35 and 37 to further concentrate the light transmitted thereby. It will be understood that the design of the lighting fixture is such that a single lamp may be readily used with the same, the lamp being positioned for direct light emission toward both lens sections 35 and 37. In this regard the specular finish 20 would still be effective to direct reflected light toward the lens sections.

The display section 36 of the panel 13 is translucent and is adapted to receive against the outer surface thereof a display card 52 for observance by passengers in the vehicle. The section 36 is of arcuate configuration to permit the ready retention of a card 52 thereagainst. In this respect suitable card retaining means in the form of projecting hook-like members 53 are provided along opposite longitudinal margins of the section 36. The membets are designed to be integrally formed with the panel 16 during extrusion thereof and opposite margins of a card 52 may be readily inserted behind the hook members 53 and the card bowed into surface engagement with the outer surface of the section 36. Preferably the section 36 is of concave configuration as illustrated for the efificient retention of a flexible display card thereagainst. However, the section can be provided with other configurations.

The display arrangement described permits ready utilization of translucent cards which are illuminated for ready and comfortable observance by light transmitted through the section 36. In this respect the lamps 47 and 48 are available for direct emission of light to at least a portion of the display section 36 and the ditfusing surfaces 21 provides for reflection of diffused light throughout the entire area of the section 36 thus permitting uniform illumination thereof even in areas remote from the light source. In this respect the location of the surfaces 21 within the fixture provide for complete utilization of the specially shaped display section 36 in the uniform illumination of a card 52 carried thereby. Card illumination permits greater latitude in message composition and ease in passenger observance and comprehension.

FIG. 5 graphically illustrates the advantages arising from the use of the lighting fixture of the invention in the manner perivously described. The various curves A, B and C graphically illustrate the light intensity supplied by the fixtures under varying conditions of use thereof. The readings were taken at a level of thirty inches above the floor of the vehicle and at increments of six inches transversely of the vehicle. The footcandle values were plotted across the vehicle resulting in the var- 10us curves.

Curve A illustrates the lighting effects under conditions where display cards 52 are not mounted on the fixtures. With each reading the lightmeter used was held horizontally. It will be noted that a very substantial degree of light intensity occurs in the seating area and the aisle area is quite adequately illuminated. Curve B results from horizontal lightmeter readings taken under lighting conditions utilizing translucent display cards 52 mounted in the fixtures. Here again it will be noted that substantial and entirely adequate illumination of the seating and aisle areas occurs with overall eflicient light distribution being retained. Curve C results from horizontal llghtmeter readings under lighting conditions utilizing opague cards 52 carried by the fixtures. In this respect it will be appreciated that light is not transmitted through the display sections 36 of the fixtures and is not available for general illumination. However, the efiiciency of the lens sections 35 and 37 is quite apparent upon consideration of the resulting curve C in that adequate and substantial light intensity is retained in the seating area and the aisle area is adequately illuminated.

Curve C is of particular interest with regard to illus trating the efficiency of lighting fixture design. Specific and general illumination is maintained at proper levels and the provision of the vertical lens section 35 in each of the fixtures permits oppositely positioned display card illumination. FIG. 5 best illustrates the transverse direction of light through the lens sections 35 of oppositely positioned fixtures. This arrangement provides for complete ceiling illumination and display card illumination of oppositely positioned fixtures. Thus the lighting fixture is readily adapted for use with any type of display either in connection with internal or external lighting thereof.

The fixture described provides a high level glare free band of controlled light directed to the passenger reading and seating area. The fixture also provides a controlled band of glare free high intensity light directed to the ceiling area and across the upper portion of the vehicle for complete and uniform general illumination thereof. The fixture permits the ready mounting of a display card and the illumination thereof without detracting from the basic lighting requirements. All of these things are accomplished by the use of a single type of fixture readily adapted for flush mounting and readily available for maintenance purposes.

Obviously certain modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A cornice type lighting fixture comprising a light source housing, a light transmitting panel, and a light source in said housing, said panel including a pair of lens sections disposed in approximately right angular and spaced relation for controlled multiple directional concentrated light transmission, one of said lens sections being at least generally remote from said source, a translucent display section intermediate said lens sections for illumination of a display forming a part thereof, said display section being of an area which is substantially greater than the area of either of said lens sections, and means on said display section for detachably mounting a display thereover, said housing including light reflective inner surface portions arranged to direct light from said source at least to said display section and remote lens section.

2. The fixture of claim 1 wherein said display section is of arcuate configuration with said display mounting means arranged along opposite margins thereof for retention of a display against the outer surface of said display section in arcuately conforming relation.

3. The fixture of claim 1 wherein said panel is of generally U-shape longitudinally thereof and projects from said housing, said lens sections being provided with means attaching said panel to said housing.

4. The fixture of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a specular inner surface portion and a light diffusing inner surface portion, said specular surface portion being arranged for the reflection of light toward said remote lens section and said diffusing surface portion being arranged for the reflection of light toward said display section.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,249,500 12/17 Richter 240-735 X l,786,787 12/30 Steinmeyer 240-73 X 2,336,016 12/43 Jayne 240-129 X 2,587,807 3/52 Arenberg 240-7.35 2,688,072 8/54 Zimmerman 240-7.35 X

JEROME SCHNALL, Primary Examiner. 

1. A CORNICE TYPE LIGHTING FIXTURE COMPRISING A LIGHT SOURCE HOUSING, A LIGHT TRANSMITTING PANEL, AND A LIGHT SOURCE IN SAID HOUSING, SAID PANEL INCLUDING A PAIR OF LENS SECTIONS DISPOSED IN APPROXIMATELY RIGHT ANGULAR AND SPACED RELATION FOR CONTROLLED MULTIPLE DIRECTIONAL CONCENTRATED LIGHT TRANSMISSION, ONE OF SAID LENS SECTIONS BEING AT LEAST GENERALLY REMOTE FROM SAID SOURCE, A TRANSLUCENT DISPLAY SECTION INTERMEDIATE SAID LENS SECTIONS FOR ILLUMINATION OF A DIAPLY FORMING A PART THEREOF, SAID DISPLAY SECTION BEING OF AN AREA WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY GREATER THAN THE AREA OF EITHER OF SAID LENS SECTIONS, AND MEANS ON SAID DISPLAY SECTION FOR DETACHABLY MOUNTING A DISPLAY THEREOVER, SAID HOUSING INCLUDING LIGHT REFLECTIVE INNER SURFACE PORTIONS ARRANGED TO DIRECT LIGHT FROM SAID SOURCE AT LEAST TO SAID DISPLAY SECTION AND REMOTE LENS SECTION. 